Looking for Teammates of Max A. Sanchez

Merry Christmas Brothers!
Need your help as we have had a posting on the CCT Memorial Guest Book from David Sanchez who's father is a CCT Brother not doing well.

“For those of you Old Timers back in the early 70's from Dyess AFB, just thought I would give you an update on my Dad, Max A. Sanchez. Unfortunately time has not been good to him.

Anyone still around from Max's days, please get in contact with me. I would appreciate it, I know that my mother, Kazue would appreciate it.
Thank You, David Sanchez, the proud son of a Combat Control Vietnam Vet.”

Davids email address is paradawgz@gmail.com 

The Beast

5th Annual Vegas CCT Reunion

Dates are set and the Las Vegas CCT Reunion dates and info has been posted. I appreciate the work these guys put into this event.




Click on link:
5th Annual Vegas CCT Reunion

SMSgt. (Ret) Tuttle has Passed

William T. Tuttle, age 83 of Nashville, TN, passed, peacefully Sunday, September 28, 2014. 

He joined the Air Force in 1948. He spent the majority of his time at Stewart AFB as a Combat Controller. He retired as a Senior Master Sgt. after 23 years, and served in Korea and Vietnam. His main hobby was road rally crosses and drag racing. He set the world record for the fastest speed in his class in 1963 at the NHRA Nationals at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. After his military career, he opened La Vergne Foreign Auto Repair and later worked as a park Manager for the US Army Corps of Engineers.

The Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be conducted Friday, October 3, 2014 at Spring Hill Funeral Home. Visitation will be at 10 a.m., followed by a service at 11 a.m. Inurnment will be in the Historic Spring Hill Cemetery. 



See more at:

William T. Tuttle Obit.

1st Combat Controller KIA, TSgt Richard L. Foxx 15 Oct 1962

Technical Sergeant Richard (Dick) L. Foxx was a member of the first detachment of "Jungle Jim" air commandos deployed to Vietnam, trained at Hurlburt Field in Florida, and code named "Farmgate." The unit was designated Detachment 2A. This group was the first to use Air Force Forward Air Controllers (FACs), using the call sign "Dora Corn." TSgt Foxx was a Combat Control Team (CCT) member. He was NCOIC, e.g. NCO in charge. He was considered a "pioneer" in the enlisted forward air guide program. He was killed while performing duties in a U-10. His plane was shot down near the village of Ban Me Thout, South Vietnam, while controlling air strikes for the U.S. Army Special Forces during operation code name "Powder Blue."

SSgt Victor Valle info Request

Anybody coming to the reunion that knew SSgt Victor Valle, if they have

photos from Little Rock or Hurlburt (late 70s early 80s) they would like to

donate to  his son who is coming to a reunion first time.

Thanks.

//SIGNED//

JOSE A. FUENTES, Civ, DAF

STTS/EDC

26 STS honors fallen CCT TSgt. Jefferson

CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- A new ornament can now be seen by all who enter through the main gate here, perched high atop the flagpole proudly displaying our nation’s flag.

The topper is in the shape of a spear-head and, much like Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico and Air Force Special Operations Command, has a rich and honorable heritage. 

Click the link below for full story:

https://24sow.usaf.afpims.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/tabid/136/Article/503031/in-honor-of-wj.aspx

New Wing Commander leads Special Tactics Airmen

24th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs / Published September 23, 2014

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- Colonel Matthew Davidson took command of the 24th Special Operations Wing during an assumption of command ceremony here Sept. 19.

Lt. Gen. Bradley Heithold, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, presided over the ceremony, in which Davidson, former Chief of Staff at Special Operations Command Central Forward Headquarters, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, took charge of the wing led by the former commander, Brig. Gen. Robert Armfield.

Click here to view full article and photos:

http://www.24sow.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/tabid/136/Article/500049/new-wing-commander-leads-special-tactics-airmen.aspx

Col. Stratton Retirement Ceremony

Greetings from San Antonio,

 As you are probably aware it's time for me to shed the uniform, and like my brother in arms Col PA  last year, the CCA has graciously allowed me to do it during the upcoming CCA Reunion.  Zonnel and I have been doing all the admin stuff with the help of Col PR and Becky Christmas, since I am currently on terminal leave, and we have finally gotten the invites out this week.

Listed below are the links to the evites -- first for the ceremony itself (Sat 18 Oct at the SanDestin  Hilton), and the dinner (Wed 15 Oct at Tuscany Italian Bistro, Destin).

 https://einvitations.afit.edu/inv/index.cfm?i=214590&k=0060460C7257

 

https://einvitations.afit.edu/inv/index.cfm?i=214595&k=0060460C7252

HoF Nominations

The HoF Committee recommended the following individuals for HoF inductees and the CCA Executive Committee and Board of Directors will induct these men during the annual reunion.

Col (ret) Craig Brotchie

CMSgt (ret) Gene Adcock

CMSgt (ret) Nick Kiraly

Mickey

Mickey Wright

President

Combat Control Association

P.O. Box 432

Mary Esther, FL 32569-0007

(c) 850-217-4312

CCA Sponsorship Program is up to $50k!

I want to take a minute to thank our brothers and sisters for their incredible generosity. Two years ago the Association started a Sponsorship program. As of last week, we broke $50,000 in donations. This year Helen Back, AeroVironment, Ground Global Systems, Mnemonics, Prime Mortgage, Rally Point Management, Rock Star Marketing, and T1G have committed and we have several dozen requests still out. I also want to thank Mrs. Denise Knuth for tackling the tough accounts. If you or your business associates are interested in donating or you are interested in sponsoring a fund raiser please call LN or me. Finally and most importantly, if you know any CCT member or CCT family in need, contact the CCA so we can determine how to assist. 

Mickey

Mickey Wright

President

Combat Control Association

P.O. Box 432

Mary Esther, FL 32569-0007

(c) 850-217-4312

Job Opening looking for Retired CCT

Link To Application Page:

We are looking for a retired SNCO with outstanding work ethic (should be no problem coming from you).  A degree is NOT required like the advertisement says, experience in lieu of degree will be acceptable. 

Don't let the job description scare off some of your best candidates, we have a team of five (currently) that can help with some of the computer stuff. 

Applicants must apply through the website!!!

CAS-FL-HU-14:001: Software Tester - Hurlburt Fied, FL

Category Software Development

Group CAS Group

Location FL-Hurlburt Field (CAS)

Schedule Full Time

Election of CCA Board Members 2014

During the CCA Annual Business Meeting scheduled for October 18, 2014, a vote in accordance with the Combat Control Association (CCA) Constitution By-Laws will occur for two Board of Director positions.  The CCA General Membership elected Board of Directors Rich Crutchfield and Sam Schindler.  Both Director Crutchfield and Schindler resigned and I appointed Ken Huhman (LM-0770) and Mike Sneeder (LM-0775).  Both Director Huhman and Director Sneeder have agreed to fill the three year term of office which ends October 2015.  

IAW the Combat Control Association (CCA) Constitution by-Laws, I’ve appointed Ron Childress (LM-139) as Chairman of the Nomination Committee.  The Nominating Committee shall meet at a time and place selected by the President with the concurrence of the Board of Directors and shall proffer the name of at least one nominee for each elected office that is to become vacant in the following year and which is to be filled by election during the next general business meeting.  Prior to the next general business meeting, the Nominating Committee may solicit nominations from the membership by electronic or written communications.

Nominations for two Combat Control Association (CCA) Board of Director positons are open from August 31, 2014 to September 17, 2014.  To make a nomination, you can contact Ron Childress via email ronbo139@gmail.com  or telephone 850-582-8459.

Controller Passes

MSgt (Ret) Joe (NMI) Honeycutt of Wichita, KS deceased on August 25, 2013 of Cancer. He was stationed at Sewart AFB, TN sometime during the 1954-1954 era.

My records indicate he was not a CCA Member, nor did he attend the CCS.

Rest In Peace,

Chuck Trimple

SPECIAL OPERATIONS WARRIOR FOUNDATION Special Tactics - Bourbon Chase Relay Team - 2014 10/10/2014

Twelve members of the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron will run in Kentucky's Bourbon Chase Relay on October 10th and 11th - 2014. They will log a total of 200 foot pounding miles to the finish line. The Team has participated in this unique event since 2010 and has raised over $28,658 for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF). This year we need everyone’s help to reach our realistic goal of $8,500.

Link to page:


http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/tom-deschane/specialtactics-bourbonchaserelayteam-2014

Sad day in CCT history

The greatest single combat loss of Combat Controllers in South Vietnam occurred 4 Oct 1967. One elements of CCT under the leadership of MSgt Charles a. Paradise, was being transported on a combat mission aboard an Air Commando C-123.  The aircraft did not arrive at the scheduled destination. Search and rescue efforts eventually located the downed aircraft near Dong Hoi, South Vietnam.  All aboard was KIA.  Lost were MSgt Charles Paradise, TSgt Fredrick Thrower, A1C Gerald Gauthier, and A1C William Jerkins.  Their brave names are engraved on the CCT memorial stone.  Dear comrades, your untimely deaths leave us with a profound sense of gratitude for your great service and sacrifice!  You died as you lived:  United in team-ship!

Human Perfomance for our ST Operators.

Please post to the appropriate web based media.

Use this link

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FIvAshRUY8&feature=share

Combat Controller Paul Reddington has passed

Hello all,

My father, Paul Reddington passed on Tuesday August 26^th He suffered complications from surgery

I am not sure who all of you are, but I thought you would like to be informed.  Also, if any of you would like to attend his funeral service, it is this Monday ( 2 Sep 14) at 11:00am at Willamette National Cemetery. 

Thank you for your support in this difficult time,

Paula Reddington

Edited this a little from the email traffic received thus far. Mr Reddington was in CCS Class 65-5 and CCA LM-0411.

RC

Nominations for Combat Control Association (CCA) Board of Director Positions

During the CCA Annual Business Meeting scheduled for October 18, 2014, a vote in accordance with the Combat Control Association (CCA) Constitution By-Laws will occur for two Board of Director positions.  The CCA General Membership elected Board of Directors Rich Crutchfield and Sam Schindler.  Both Director Crutchfield and Schindler resigned and I appointed Ken Huhman (LM-0770) and Mike Sneeder (LM-0775).  Both Director Huhman and Director Sneeder have agreed to fill the three year term of office which ends October 2015. 

IAW the Combat Control Association (CCA) Constitution by-Laws, I’ve appointed Ron Childress (LM-139) as Chairman of the Nomination Committee.  The Nominating Committee shall meet at a time and place selected by the President with the concurrence of the Board of Directors and shall proffer the name of at least one nominee for each elected office that is to become vacant in the following year and which is to be filled by election during the next general business meeting.  Prior to the next general business meeting, the Nominating Committee may solicit nominations from the membership by electronic or written communications.

Nominations for two Combat Control Association (CCA) Board of Director positions are open from August 31, 2014 to September 17, 2014.  To make a nomination, you can contact Ron Childress via email ronbo139@gmail.com  or telephone 850-582-8459. 

Mickey Wright

CCA President

Fourteen airmen with Air Force Special Tactics to receive medals

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WA – Ten medals will be awarded to airmen of the 22nd Special Tactics Squadron by Lt. Gen. Bradley A. Heithold, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, during a ceremony here, Aug. 18, at 11 a.m. The medals are being awarded for combat actions during deployments to Afghanistan.

Tech. Sgt. Matthew McKenna, a combat controller, will be presented the Silver Star Medal, the nation’s third highest decoration for valor, for gallantry he displayed in connection with military operations in Afghanistan, September 2013.

Link to article

Rally Point Management Employment Opportunities

Rally Point Management career opportunities at the following locations:

* Las Cruces, NM - MQ-1/9 Training

* Beale AFB, CA - MC12 Training

* Ft Sill, OK - JFO Course

Careers@RallyPointManagement.com

Two Special Tactics Airmen among Air Force’s 12 OAY for 2014

24th Special Operations Wing

8/5/2014 - HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- Two members of the Air Force Special Tactics community were selected as two of the service's 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2014, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced July 10.

Master Sgt. Delorean Sheridan, a combat controller assigned to the 21st Special Tactics Squadron, Pope Army Airfield, N.C., and Tech Sgt. Doug Matthews, a combat controller assigned to the Air National Guard's 125th Special Tactics Squadron in Portland, Ore., were named in the announcement.

An Air Force selection board at AFPC considered 35 nominees who represented major commands, direct reporting units, field operating agencies and Headquarters Air Force. The board selected 12 Airmen based on superior leadership, job performance and personal achievements.

Link to article:

Kirby: Friends contribute to tribute for airman

Holly Whitley walked with a particularly expedient stride toward the "Duty" wall panel just installed in Freedom Memorial Park.

She studied the monument for a moment, then could no longer hold back her tears.

"I've waited 11 years for this," Whitley, 58, was saying about the slick black military monument that pays tribute to Staff Sgt. Scott D. Sather, an airman killed in Iraq on April 8, 2003. "It's beautiful. I've waited so long."

The panel is one of five placed on the grounds Monday, honoring the many in this community who have monetarily donated to the park that stands across from the Airborne & Special Operations Museum downtown.

Kirby: Friends contribute to tribute for airman Link

2014 North West Loop Reminder

We are just a few days away from this years NW-Loop. I have attached a link to road conditions due to fires around the Leavenworth area.

Link: http://www.wsdot.com/traffic/trafficalerts/default.aspx 

Please drive safely and check conditions before you leave home and en-route if you have time. It appears there are some posted detours so you will spend a bit more time getting there.

We are close to 75% of our donation goal for this year. Many of you showed your support with generous gifts to the SOF Warrior Foundation.

I cant thank you each enough.

I will arrive on Wed at the hotel to work through some final logistics for your arrival. 

Again, travel safely and plan ahead.

I look forward to seeing you all this year. I think we will have a few surprise guests possibly.

I will miss Ron Childress and his soulmate Ann this year for sure. 

Call me at 206-437-1269 if you need anything and pass this on to people you know are coming this year but are not on this distribution.


Sincerely, 


Robert Rankin 
Cellular: 206-437-1269
Chiefrk@gmail.com"

A Little Break in the Schedule for Dan Coonan

Teammates,

Looks like it's time to fix the old model.  I'll be getting the motor overhauled.  This is just an update on my upcoming surgery, and a slightly belabored explanation of the procedures, to answer those who have been asking.  Here goes:

I am entering the Texsan Heart Hospital here in San Antonio this Wednesday for four separate heart procedures:

Wednesday, 16 July at 10:00 am:

1.       Trans Esophageal Echocardiogram (TEE).  A video sensor is inserted down the esophagus to determine the precise location of the electrical tissue that has been misfiring, causing a dangerous condition of atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat).  AT leads to ventricular tachycardia (VT), a deadly, excessively rapid heartbeat (180+ beats per minute).

2.       Ablation of electrical pathway. The TEE will be followed by an ablation (cauterization) of that tissue by inserting a device through a vein/artery in the groin. Eliminating that tissue should bring my heartbeat back into normal rhythm.

Friday, 18 July at 10:00 am:

3.       Mitral valve repair.  I will be moved back to the surgical suite where the surgeon will open my chest and transfer my heart functions to a heart-lung machine.  He will then open the heart itself and repair a leaking mitral valve.  This valve is supposed to receive oxygenated blood from the lungs through the right atrium and pass it to the right ventricle for delivery to the body through the aorta. The leak now creates a back pressure into the lungs and is responsible for my congestive heart failure. 

4.       Intra-atrial perforation repair.  While the surgeon is inside the heart, he will also close a hole between the two atria in the upper chambers of my heart.  This condition has caused a mixing of the blood coming back from the body and the oxygen rich blood being sent back out. The oxygen-poor blood is not sufficient to meet my body’s demand and makes me exhausted and light-headed all the time.

These procedures are not the same as the bypass surgery and stent emplacements I have had in the past which now keep the blood flowing through arteries previously blocked by atherosclerosis.  All is good on that front.  So, once these new procedures are completed, I’ll be the new bionic man. 

Please keep me in your prayers,

Dan Coonan

Dcoonan3@idworld.net

LM-048

Airfield Management Consultant in Djibouti, Africa

Wittenberg Weiner Consulting is seeking qualified applications for an Airfield Management Consultant in Djibouti, Africa. This position would begin around 1 September 2014.

Summary

The Airfield management position will provide subject matter expertise (SME) on safe airfield operating conditions, provide technical expertise for all phases of programmed airfield construction, and airfield construction and maintenance projects for runways, taxiways, aircraft parking ramps and lighting systems being performed by military personnel. The position will also provide SME on airfield improvement activities such as airfield surface repair, painting programs, and work crews. The consultant will assist in planning and inspecting airfield improvements, repairs, and continuing operations. The consultant will provide technical recommendations to the Operations Officer and Air Operations Officer on all upcoming projects, as well as the status of ongoing projects. Provide briefings to maintenance and airfield personnel on airfield operations as well as the proper use of radios and basic communications procedures. Coordinate with the Djiboutian Airfield Authority on all matters that affect the commercial airport.

Required Qualifications  

·       U.S. Citizen

·       Active DoD Secret Security Clearance

·       Valid U.S. Passport

·       Bachelor’s degree plus 10 years experience as Airfield Manager for a Department of Defense facility OR Master’s degree plus 5 years experience as Airfield Manager for a Department of Defense facility

·       Department of Defense Advanced Airfield Managers Course graduate

·       Expert knowledge of military airfield functions

·       Expert knowledge of UFC, ICAO, and FAA Circular Guidelines

·       Informational briefing preparation and presentation skills to large groups and senior level officers

·       Ability to prepare and deliver point/position papers

·       Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office 2007 Suite to include Word, Excel and PowerPoint

·       Valid U.S. Driver's License

Preferred Experience & Qualifications

·       International, restrictive and /or hostile environment operations experience

·       Understanding of Navy base-wide operations plans

·       Subject matter expertise in advising on major and minor airfield improvement projects

·       Understanding and experience implementing and maintaining a Bird Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH) Program that is incompliance with NAVFAC P-73

·       Excellent command of communication skills, both verbal and written.

·       Ability to prepare and confidently deliver briefings.

Compensation is competitive and benefits are provided. Position will require a one year commitment (with option years). WWC is an equal opportunity employer.

 If you would like to learn more about this opportunity with WWC, please submit your resume and a cover letter to Heidi Snell at heidi.snell@ww-consult.com